SHAN

Exceptional swimsuits to perfectly match all shapes, is the challenge brilliantly taken up by the high-end beachwear brand, Shan. Launched by designer Chantal Levesque in 1985, the Canadian label is now a leading brand in luxury swimwear. No one could have predicted that this designer would create such a vast empire. The daughter of a wedding dress maker, who taught her the basics of the trade, she began her professional life as an accountant. It was during her maternity leave (carrying her son, Shan, who the label is named after) that she began to design swimwear for herself and her friends. Through simple word of mouth, the press began to talk about her designs, and what was initially a hobby turned into a business. Specialising in designer swimwear, Shan has successfully taken beachwear to new heights with its exclusive designs and unique prints. In addition to a colourful graphic style, the brand's pieces have another feature in common. They are all handmade in Laval, Quebec, in workshops on the outskirts of Montreal. Since its beginnings, Shan has centralised all its production phases in one place. This rare set-up enables the label to have more flexibility in its production and helps it ensure that quality is maintained throughout the process. With a desire to offer ever more fabulous, durable and original swimwear designs, Chantal Levesque also works with the best Italian manufacturers to create exclusive materials and prints to suit new concepts. The manufacturing techniques employed are identical to those used in bespoke luxury corsetry to ensure swimwear fits the body in a structured and comfortable way. This Canadian-made label has certainly taken the world by storm.